Primary elections are underway in three states today, with Florida voters casting ballots to determine party nominees for governor and the U.S. Senate. These contests occur against the backdrop of newly redrawn congressional maps in Florida, which Governor Ron DeSantis pushed through to provide Republicans with a structural advantage in 24 of the state’s 28 districts. Additionally, California is holding a special election to fill the vacancy left by former Representative Eric Swalwell, who resigned earlier this year following allegations of sexual misconduct.
In the Florida gubernatorial race, the state is looking for a successor to Governor DeSantis, who is barred from seeking reelection due to term limits. Florida has not elected a Democratic governor since 1994, and the state has shifted from a swing state to a Republican stronghold; DeSantis won his 2018 election by less than a percentage point, but secured a 20-point victory in 2022.
Representative Byron Donalds, who has represented the Naples and Fort Myers area since 2020, currently leads the Republican field. Backed by President Trump, Donalds has branded himself as a “Make America Great Again” candidate and maintains a significant financial advantage with $90 million raised. A prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus, Donalds previously challenged Kevin McCarthy for the speakership in 2023 and sought to replace him after his ouster.
While 10 other Republicans are vying for the nomination, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins and activist James Fishback are considered the primary challengers. Collins has positioned himself as “DeSantis-appointed,” though the governor has not issued an endorsement in the race. Earlier this summer, Collins unsuccessfully attempted to remove Fishback from the ballot by questioning his residency status, a case a judge ultimately dismissed.
Fishback, a 31-year-old Florida native, has drawn support from figures such as Tucker Carlson and white nationalist Nick Fuentes, gaining traction within the online “groyper” movement. Despite his visibility, Fishback has raised minimal funds and is widely viewed as a long-shot candidate. On the Democratic side, six candidates are competing for the nomination, with former Republican Representative David Jolly currently leading the field.
The Senate race features Attorney General Ashley Moody, who was appointed by DeSantis to fill the seat after Marco Rubio became secretary of state. Moody is running to serve the remainder of the term and faces three Republican challengers, though she is widely expected to secure the nomination. Democratic contenders Alex Vindman, a former National Security Council official, and state representative Angie Nixon are competing for their party’s nomination, with Nixon highlighting her background as a labor organizer and her opposition to the state’s new congressional maps.
Congressional districts across Florida have seen significant shifts. In the 9th District, Republican Thomas Chalifoux Jr. is seeking to challenge Democratic Representative Darren Soto. Meanwhile, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz is running in the neighboring 20th District, a majority-Black seat left vacant by the resignation of former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who stepped down amid an ethics investigation into allegations of theft and misconduct.
In the 23rd District, moderate Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz faces a primary challenge from democratic socialist Oliver Larkin. Elsewhere, Republican Representative Cory Mills, representing the 7th District, is facing three primary challengers amid an ongoing House Ethics Committee probe into allegations of assault, stolen valor, and federal contracting violations. Some congressional colleagues have called for his censure or expulsion.
The political focus also extends to Alaska, where Senator Dan Sullivan faces multiple challengers in a nonpartisan top-four primary. The state, which has not elected a Democratic senator since 2009, is being viewed by Democrats as a potential long-shot target. Former Representative Mary Peltola is challenging the incumbent, with the top four finishers in today’s primary advancing to the November general election.
Financial data in the Alaska race highlights the competitive landscape, with Peltola having raised over $18 million compared to Sullivan’s $11 million. The race has drawn national attention, including a fundraising email sent by former Vice President Kamala Harris on behalf of Peltola, though the campaign later clarified that the pitch was not officially approved as Peltola seeks to maintain an independent profile. There are 13 candidates on the Alaska ballot today, reflecting the state’s unique electoral environment. The report also notes that here are the major races to watch today. The report also notes that challenged Kevin McCarthy in the race to become speaker, forcing 15 rounds of voting, he is a prominent member of the House Freedom Caucus and in 2023. The report also notes that donalds also put his name in the bid to replace McCarthy 10 months later when he was ousted from the speakership. The report also notes that trump’s backing, Donalds has amassed a significant war chest, having raised $90 million so far. The report also notes that he has also held a commanding lead in polls. The report also notes that calling him a “slave to donors,” a “token Black” in Congress and accusing him of wanting to turn Florida into a “Section 8 ghetto, fishback has taunted Donalds with racist comments. The report also notes that as the well-funded front-runner, Donalds generally does not acknowledge Fishback’s comments. The report also notes that but he has pushed white nationalism into the governor’s race and caused a splinter in the GOP, fishback has raised little money and does not stand much of a chance of succeeding on Tuesday.
Source: CBS News
